Man critically injured after tractor-trailer he was driving rolls over him in Pilesgrove Township

PILESGROVE TWP. -- A man was critically injured here Friday night after being run over by the tractor-trailer he had been driving, state police said.

The incident occurred near the busy intersection of U.S. Route 40 and state Route 45 here around 6 p.m.

The tractor-trailer was parked on the shoulder of the northbound lanes of Route 45 when the driver exited the vehicle possibly because of mechanical problems with the vehicle, according to state police at the Woodstown Barracks who are investigating the incident.

When the man got out of the rig, the tractor-trailer rolled over him.

The unidentified victim was flown from near the scene by medical helicopter to Cooper University Medical Center, Camden.

Although the victim was in critical condition, he was talking as rescue crews readied him for transport, police said.

The tractor-trailer was towed from the scene.

State police said the driver was alone in the rig at the time of the incident. The cause remains under investigation, police said.